Driving in Kuwait

Foreigners, who have arrived Kuwait on a visit/business visa, may drive there with their International driving permits until their visit visa expires (as a rule, one month). Visitor must have liability insurance.Foreigner visitors may bring their vehicles into Kuwait on a temporary basis for three months.To obtain a Kuwaiti driver license, an applicant must be legally resident for at least two years in Kuwait. People who arrived from some countries (for instance, Westerners) may obtain a Kuwaiti driver license on the strength of their domestic driver licenses. Other must apply for a learner driver license and pass a driving test.

The main road traffic rules:

Driving is on the right side of the road.

Drivers and passengers in front seats must wear seat-belts.

The minimum age for driving is 18 years.

Children under 10 years may not sit in front seats.

The turn to right is not permitted unless there is a special lane.

It is not permitted to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol level is 0.0%.

To enter a roundabout any vehicle must always stop fully, rather than just giving way.

Using a mobile telephone for calls or text messaging while driving is not permitted.

Additional information:

If driver is involved in an accident, he must immediately notify the police and remain at the scene until the police arrive. Even if not at fault, involvement in an accident can lead to arrest and temporary incarceration.

Parking is not permitted in places where the curb is painted black and yellow.

Digital cameras for registering traffic violations are used in Kuwait.

If a driver, who goes behind, flashes his high beams, it is meant he asks go give way.

Traffic violations may also result in the deportation of a foreigner.

Kuwait's roads are in good conditions; road traffic signs are in Arabic and English languages.

If asked by the police, drivers must show their driver licences.

Drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs are punishable by up to a year in prison.

In Kuwait, there are two types of monetary penalties: settlement and court fines. Settlement fines may be paid without going to court. They must be paid within 30 days of committing the offence. If time limit is exceeded, a driver must pay the minimum court fine.

To rent a car, a driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver license for one year.